John V Hoagland

John V. "Jack or Hoagie" Hoagland, 80, of Billings, passed away June 21, 2008 surrounded by his loving family.

Jack was born on June 23, 1927 in Terry, Montana, the youngest son of Russell M. and Julia M. (Russell) Hoagland. He attended Terry Elementary and High School, graduating in 1945.

After a year in the Navy, Jack began attending the University of Montana, graduating in 1950. He taught in Fallon, Montana for one year and then began a 35 year tenure in Lander, Wyoming. Jack taught Spanish and he was the advisor for the Key Club for 12 years. Jack was a lifetime member of the National Education Association.

Hoagie was a founding member of the Kiwanis, Lions, Knights of Columbus, and Elks; helping to establish the first chapters of these organizations in Lander. He loved to perform and was an active member of Lander's Little Theater, most often cast in comedic roles. His family always enjoyed the opportunity to see his performances.

Jack was a world traveler; from bungy jumping in New Zealand at age 68 to white water rafting in Montana's Yellowstone River at 80. He took many cruises and trips with family and friends to a wide variety of destinations including the Greek Isles, Egypt, Machu Picchu, Turkey, the Galapagos Islands, and Europe. A favorite destination was Las Vegas where he enjoyed the shows and the gambling.

For the first two years of his retirement, Jack traveled the United States staying with friends, family, and former students that he kept in touch with after they graduated. He split his time between Mesa, Arizona and Billings after retiring. He enjoyed sharing his season tickets to the Phoenix Opera and the Phoenix Suns with his family and friends.

Jack's family cherished the family trees that he created and handed out at the reunions every two years. Another reunion tradition that was enjoyed by family at reunions was his special fuzzy navels. Although Jack did not have children of his own, he considered his nieces and nephews his surrogate children. Jack is survived by his sister, Gladys McLarnon; sister-in-law, Alvina Hoagland; nephews Robert (Carolyn) Hoagland, Ralph "Lefty" Wolff, Michael (Adele) Hoagland, Pat Hoagland, Gary Hoagland, Kelly (Penni) Hoagland; nieces Dixie (Lacy)Cannon, Joan (Leonard) Wolff, Julia (Jay Dunn) McLarnon, Ruth Hoagland, Marilee (Roger "Buck") Wold, Karen (Jim) Hanson, Bonnie (Hal) Meek; and dozens of great and great great nieces and nephews. Jack's family would also like to acknowledge his good friends Hai Girgen, Alex Ayers, Helen Burnstad, Diane Johansen, Kathleen Bertoncelj, Willene Shenk, and Gary and Laurie Hansen.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Julia (Russell) Hoagland; brothers, Herbert (Esther) Hoagland, LuVerne (Eunice) Hoagland, Roy Hoagland, and Ralph Hoagland; brother-in-law, Paul McLarnon; nephews Harley Hoagland and Darold McLarnon; and niece, Ann Hoagland.

Cremation has already taken place and a grave side service will be held in Terry in conjunction with the Hoagland family reunion in late July.

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